Reece Walsh Secures Maroons Return as Warriors Face Dual Injury Setback

The Brisbane Broncos handed the Warriors a 26-12 loss at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Reece Walsh solidifying his recall to the Maroons.

All eyes were on Walsh in what had shifted from an Origin trial to a pre-match warm-up following Kalyn Ponga’s foot injury, and the fullback proved he had fully recovered from the knee injury he suffered in April.

Walsh concluded the game with a try assist and a line break.

Additionally, Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki also recorded a double.

The Warriors struggled in the first half, failing to register any points and facing their biggest first-half deficit of the season.

Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was ruled out with a knee injury at the interval, while Luke Metcalf had to be assisted off the field due to a knee issue.

In a concerning moment just before half-time, Nicoll-Klokstad sustained the injury after an awkward twist during a tackle attempt. The club confirmed he would need scans for further assessment.

Later on, Broncos second-rower Brendan Piakura delivered a heavy tackle on Metcalf, raising significant alarm regarding the latter’s knee health.

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Brisbane struck first, with Kotoni Staggs scoring early in the second minute. The Broncos’ captain, Adam Reynolds, initiated the scoring play with a grubber kick as Staggs overcame Nicoll-Klokstad to touch down.

On the other end of the field, Josiah Karapani executed a crucial try-saving tackle, forcing Edward Kosi over the sideline within Brisbane’s 20-metre zone.

Karapani later rewarded himself with a try, crossing the line untouched after receiving a beautiful Harbour Bridge pass from Ezra Mam.

A costly scrum infringement by Chanel Harris-Tavita allowed Reynolds to add a penalty goal to Brisbane’s lead.

The Warriors’ hooker Wayde Egan briefly exited the field for a head injury assessment after a hard tackle but later returned after passing his tests.

Despite a frantic effort, the Warriors were denied a try when Harris-Tavita was held up in the tackle as players from both sides scrambled for possession.

As the half drew to a close, Brisbane secured their third try courtesy of Shibasaki, taking an impressive 18-0 lead into the break.

Although the Warriors attempted to get on the scoreboard shortly after the restart, their try was disallowed due to a double knock-on in the lead-up.

Undeterred, the Warriors eventually broke through when Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scored their first try in the 45th minute.

Reynolds converted another penalty goal, with referee Adam Gee penalising for escort infringements.

Walsh was penalised for being offside while chasing a kick from Reynolds but still managed to get a scoring opportunity.

Despite a tough collision, Piakura remained on the field but was put on report.

Shibasaki’s second try sealed Brisbane’s victory in the end.